Monday, February 24, 2014

STEWARDSHIP MATTERS

Church Testimonials, Part Three:

The Stewardship Committee interviews Lara Breeze-Troyer about all things UUCUC.
When did you join the church?
Our family first attended the church a little over three years ago, and we signed the membership book about a year after that.
What attracted you to the church and Unitarian Universalism?
We came to the church seeking a community to support us as we raised our children in a different way than our own past religious upbringing. On the first Sunday I attended, I cried when I heard the announcer read the words, “Whoever you are, where ever you have been, and however you have come to this place, you are welcome here.” I instantly felt normal, relieved and welcome.
As a steward of the church, you have been involved in many activities – what are some of these activities?
I have taught a kindergarten through second grade religious education class for two years and have served on the Religious Education Committee for a year and a half.
What has drawn you to give of your time and energies to these activities?
I initially became involved in Religious Education because I was curious about what my children were learning downstairs. I continued to teach and be involved in RE because it is inspiring to listen and learn from the children as they explore and make sense of the world.
Why do you support the church?
I support the church because I value the sense of belonging and community I have found here. I give my support because I believe that the people here – the adults and the children – are already doing and will continue to do so many things to make the world a kinder and more tolerant place to live.

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In closing, here are some additional thoughts from Carolyn McMahon regarding why she attends UUCUC:
“To worship and interact with others in a stimulating but safe environment.”

Friday, February 21, 2014

Three-Part Orientation to UUism

Are you new to this church? Have you recently signed the membership book, or are you considering joining? Would you like to learn more about Unitarian Universalism? Axel Gehrmann and the Membership Committee will offer a three­-part orientation at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, April 9th, 16th, and 23rd

The sessions focus on individuals’ religious journeys, discuss UU history, beliefs and polity, as well as explore the various groups and activities of this particular church. If you are interested, please sign up using the sheet on the Minister’s Office door, call the church office, or e-­mail Axel at minister@uucuc.org.

"No Concealed Carry" Signs to be Posted

The Board of Trustees has voted to post “No Concealed Carry” signs at the major entrances to our church. This e-mail from Ryan Latvaitis expresses our rationale beautifully, and Ryan has allowed us to share it with you:

“I write as a new member of this church, and as someone comfortable with firearms and concealed carry. My father taught me to shoot, and I've hunted with my father and grandfather. My stepfather, a police officer, has carried a revolver with him nearly everywhere for as long as I can recall. Guns are a part of my family's culture, and they should be banned from the premises of this church. While I count myself among those who wish to be prepared to defend themselves, this place is sacred, and should be free of tools whose sole purpose is to harm. To those who may wish to carry firearms within the walls of the church, please consider how doing so might irreparably change the character of our community. It could only do so for the worse.”

Join a New Adult Study Group!

There is a NEW Adult Study Group on Wednesday evenings coming in March. “Just Eating? Practicing Our Faith at the Table Readings for Reflection and Action” is a seven session curriculum exploring the relationship between the way we eat and the way we live. Rev. Cindy Shepherd, Pastor of the Philo Presbyterian Church, called to see if we might be interested in this study published by the Presbyterian Church USA Hunger Program. Rev. Shepherd said she really thinks the message of the curriculum is important and is willing to lead and adapt some parts to meet the needs of our group.  Our RE committee thought it would be a good idea too! If you are interested, sign up in Fellowship Hall after the Sunday service! The group will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. beginning March 5th, then again on March 12th and 19th, with a break on March 26thSoup and bread meals may even be a part of the class if desired. 

Contact Cindy Wakeland at re-director@uucuc.org for more information.

Friday, February 7, 2014

We Love UU; Don't You?

You won't want to miss the Stewardship Kick-Off Reception on Saturday, February 15th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.  You're invited to enjoy a wine and appetizer reception while being serenaded by our own Music Director, Kent Conrad.  You'll get to make new connections and hear a few words about this year's Stewardship goals.  This would be a great way to start your Valentine's celebration. 
Childcare will be provided. 
There will be a table where you can RSVP in Fellowship Hall after Sunday services, or contact Valorie Deichman directly by phone (356-6313) or e-mail (valoriedeichman@yahoo.com). 

On Our Upcoming Guest Speaker

On Sunday, February 23rd, the church will welcome Paul Oakley, who will deliver a sermon titled “Oneness Why Does it Matter?” Paul graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 2012. He has served as a chaplain at Barnes-Jewish and Christian Hospitals in St. Louis and did a two-year half-time internship at Carbondale (IL) Unitarian Fellowship, and currently is a full-time ministerial intern at Abraham Lincoln UU Congregation in Springfield, IL. He is a candidate for the Unitarian Universalist ministry.

Paul says this on his sermon: “Our Unitarian Universalist ‘Seventh Principle’ asserts an interdependent oneness can be derived through science, as well as intuition. The three Abrahamic religions, each in its own way, proclaim the oneness of God. Why is oneness important? What does it mean to living a good human life?”

February’s Shared Offering: Education Justice Project and Prison Justice Project

This month’s shared offering collection will be shared by two groups, the Education Justice Project and the Prison Justice Project.
The mission of the Education Justice project (EJP) is to build a model college-in-prison program that demonstrates the positive impacts of higher education upon incarcerated people, their families, the communities from which they come, the host institution, and society as a whole. EJP is committed to building an open, inclusive learning environment and to transparent, collaborative governance. EJP also believes that critical self-reflection is an important part of creating and sustaining a healthy program climate. The heart of EJP exists at the Danville prison campus, where a learning community of incarcerated students and instructors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign come together multiple times each week to engage in a range of different programs, from for-credit classes and theatre, to writing workshops and English as a Second Language (ESL). They also have an alumni program for released students and a family outreach component.
The Prison Justice Project is the UIUC Student Group dedicated to incarceration awareness and is a student affiliate of the Education Justice Project. Their aim is to create safe, productive spaces to learn about and discuss all aspects of incarceration. Ultimately, they hope to foster a community of individuals that are truly passionate about reforming the penal system of the United States. Each semester they organize monthly forums that address an aspect of incarceration such as mass incarceration, collateral impacts of incarceration, drug laws, juvenile justice, immigration, and systemic racism. They truly believe in dialogue and its power to inspire change.